Experiences with the sternocleidomastoid muscle and myocutaneous flaps

The use of the sternocleidomastoid muscle and musculocutaneous flaps in the reconstruction of defects arising after surgery for cancer of the head and neck has been a subject of some discussion. Experience with these flaps over a ten year period from 1980 until 1989 is presented. Attention is drawn to the various types of flaps in vogue, their indications to date, benefits and drawbacks. A new reliable compound musculocutaneous flap developed by the author for use in defects of the skull base after total temporal bone excision is presented.